Messy bun hat

Messy Bun Hat Crochet Pattern

What is Being Made

The Messy Bun Hat is a crochet design created by Aida Mammino that features a structured brim and fitted crown, specifically engineered to accommodate a bun hairstyle at the top. This hat is suitable for both adult and child sizes, with the adult version fitting a head circumference of 20 inches and the child version fitting 18 inches. The design combines a practical brim construction with a body section that creates the signature opening for securing a messy bun.

Techniques Used

The Messy Bun Hat employs fundamental crochet construction methods that make it accessible to intermediate-level crocheters. The pattern begins with a flat brim worked in rows, which is then joined into a circular form using either a slip stitch or by sewing the edges together. Once the brim is complete, the body of the hat is crocheted in rounds, working upward from the top edge of the brim. This transition from flat rows to circular rounds is a key technique that allows the hat to form its three-dimensional shape while maintaining the bun opening at the crown.

Stitches Used

• Ch (Chain): Used to create the foundation of the brim and to turn rows throughout the pattern
• Sc (Single Crochet): The primary stitch used in both the brim rows and the body rounds, providing a tight, dense fabric
• HDC (Half Double Crochet): Included in the stitch repertoire for this pattern, offering slightly more height and drape than single crochet

Materials and Construction Details

The Messy Bun Hat pattern calls for DK weight yarn, which creates a lightweight yet structured finished garment. The designer used Ketenly Kartopu Yarn, a blend of 70% acrylic, 20% wool, and 10% linen, though any DK weight yarn is suitable for this project. A size 5 crochet hook is specified to work with the DK yarn weight.

Brim Construction: The brim is worked flat in rows, beginning with a chain of 11 stitches. Single crochet stitches fill each row, with the crocheter working in the back stitch to create texture and structure. For an adult-sized hat, 74 rows are required to reach the desired brim length, while a child-sized hat requires 64 rows. Once the brim reaches the appropriate length, the first and last rows are connected either with a slip stitch join or by sewing, forming the circular base of the hat.

Body Construction: The body begins in Round 1 by working single crochet stitches into the upper edge of the completed brim, maintaining the same stitch count as the number of rows in the brim. This ensures even distribution and prevents puckering as the hat transitions from the flat brim to the three-dimensional crown.